The Imagery of Music

Brian Tyler scores Dragonball Evolution

Posted on February 6, 2009 by Dan Goldwasser

Just before the holidays, composer Brian Tyler was at 20th Century Fox to record his score for the anticipated live-action adaptation, Dragonball Evolution, directed by James Wong and produced by Stephen Chow. The film stars Justin Chatwin, Joon Park, Jamie Chung, Emmy Rossum and Chow Yun-Fat.

Director James Wong and composer Brian Tyler discuss a cue

Brian Tyler conducts the Hollywood Studio Symphony

With Tyler himself conducting an 82-piece ensemble of the Hollywood Studio Symphony at the Newman Scoring Stage, the music to the film is appropriately percussive and big, taking full advantage of the large size of the orchestra. Melodic and even a big "Goldsmithian", the score was orchestrated by Robert Elhai, Brad Warnaar, Dana Niu and Pakk Hui - all of whom were on hand to assist with any on-stage tweaks and adjustments.

Orchestrators Dana Niu and Robert Elhai

Brian Tyler examines the score with orchestrator Brad Warnaar

Brian Tyler talks with concertmaster Endre Granat

In the booth, scoring mixer Bobby Fernandez expertly combined the orchestra with the pre-records that Tyler created (including many instruments that he performed himself). Music editor Joe Lisanti and score preparation supervisor Gary Krause were there, as well as director James Wong to give feedback to Tyler.